Victim’s family settles lawsuit
after fatal high-speed collision
The family of a Holy Trinity teacher who was killed after a speeding motorist allegedly slammed into her family's van on the H-1 freeway has settled a lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.
Wayne Kekina, attorney for the family of Elizabeth Kekoa, 58, confirmed yesterday they reached a settlement in the suit against the other driver, Nicholas Tudisco, and his parents, Michael and Cynthia Tudisco, who now live on the mainland.
"It's one step closer to bringing closure to the entire (Kekoa) family, who wants to move on with their lives," Kekina said.
Nicholas Tudisco, formerly of Hawaii Kai, plays baseball at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo but was suspended from the team after he was indicted in January on a reckless-manslaughter charge stemming from the August 2001 crash.
Kekina said the settlement is confidential, and Tudisco has made no admission of liability.
Michael Green, attorney for the Tudiscos, also confirmed that the civil case has been resolved. He said the settlement does not affect the pending criminal case against Nicholas Tudisco.
Trial in the criminal matter is scheduled for November.